publications

Selected Publications

The German Federal Constitutional Court has become infamous across Europe. Ask an average Athenian these days and he will be aware of its omnipotent power. Go to any other eurozone capital and ask who holds the power in Europe: Angela Merkel will be among the top responses, and increasingly perhaps the European Central Bank (not always to the liking of the German Chancellor).

Some of the most powerful people in Europe are taking some time off. Both German Chancellor Merkel and Foreign Minister Westerwelle have left Berlin behind for their August vacations. But with Syria on fire and the euro on the verge of collapse, can Berlin afford to be on vacation this year?

Currently preoccupied with its ongoing debt crisis, the European Union is paying little attention to its regional security policy. In the future, however, Europe will inevitably have to take an increased share of the responsibility for its own security. When it comes to revitalizing the security debate, Germany needs to take the initiative. And for the German government, this is a task that begins above all at home.

The development of the European Union has always been plagued by crises. But recent events are putting Project Europe to a serious test. This time around, the EU is reinventing itself—indeed, it has no other choice. When the process is finished, it will have a different face. A “core Europe” is taking form.

“That’s not the way, Europe”—if that is not a challenge. Reinforced by the much discussed light bulb on the cover, the title announces a big endeavor: Jochen Bittner, Europe and NATO correspondent in Brussels for the German weekly Die Zeit, takes up the task of exposing “the European Union’s three biggest mistakes.”

In the short term, Europe cannot really influence the political transformation process in North Africa. But it can get ready for new general conditions. This should include drafting an updated migration policy that makes it possible for people living south of the Mediterranean to come to Europe for a limited period of time.